Robert Reich: Obama's Options on 2013's Big Issues
http://prospect.org/article/obamas-options-2013s-big-issues
Obama's Options on 2013's Big Issues
Robert Reich
January 10, 2013
Its a fair argument that when the nation is jeopardizedwhether in danger of defaulting on its debts or succumbing to mass violencea president is justified in using his authority to the fullest.
Anyone who thinks congressional Republicans will roll over on the debt ceiling or gun control or other pending hot-button issues hasnt been paying attention.
But the President can use certain tools that come with his officeresponsibilities enshrined in the Constitution and in his capacity as the nations chief law-enforcerto achieve some of his objectives.
snip//
But
its a fair argument that when the nation is jeopardizedwhether in danger of defaulting on its debts or succumbing to mass violencea president is justified in using his authority to the fullest.
The mere threat of taking such actionsusing the Presidents executive authority to pay the nations bills or broadly interpret gun laws already on the bookscould be useful in pending negotiations with congressional Republicans.
They have not shied away from using whatever means available to them to get their way. The President should not be reluctant to play hardball, either.